Summary Aircraft engine core upgrades enhance performance and reliability, providing improved air dominance. Efficient thermal management sustains engine performance and reduces wear and tear for reliable jet operation. Networked platforms allow various generations of fighter jets to communicate effectively, enhancing air dominance.
Air dominance of military fighters is essential at all times. To achieve that edge over adversaries, combat aircraft must always remain in the most updated and capable state. This article notes some of the game-changing updates performed on fighter aircraft.
1 Engine Core Upgrade Example: F-135 engine core upgrade High-pressure (HP) compressor and combustor Compressor cases, disks, shrouds, and blades Shaft and bearings Fuel system An engine is essentially the heart of the airplane, which powers the aircraft and provides power to all essential components and systems. For example, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II depends on the power of the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine. For the Block 4 upgrade, which is part of the F-35 improvement plan, Pratt & Whitney aims to redesign the core module of the F135 engines.
The Vice President for the F135 program at Pratt & Whitney, Jeniffer Latka, states, as recorded by RTX , “[The Engine Core Upgrade] is the only solution that will field fast enough, in meaningful quantities, to make a difference to the warfighter. From a taxpayer perspective, an upgrade to the existing engine costs a fraction of a brand-new.